KTT Cabbage Tofu vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

The KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different typing experiences. The Cabbage Tofu is a linear switch, known for its improved tactility and responsiveness thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring, resulting in a swift rebound after actuation and allowing for quicker transitions between keystrokes. Users of the Cabbage Tofu enjoy a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, with descriptors including 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch with no specific standout features mentioned. To choose between these switches, consider whether you prefer a linear switch with enhanced tactility and responsiveness like the Cabbage Tofu, or a more understated tactile typing experience like the Outemu Brown. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Cabbage Tofu and the Outemu Brown switches are very similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound and aesthetic experience from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Outemu Brown switches differ in their material choice. The Cabbage Tofu features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Brown switch also uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing feel and sound regardless of the switch they choose between these two options.

In terms of how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing are more evident when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nylon material of the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate, has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This combination of housing materials creates a well-rounded typing experience for both the KTT Cabbage Tofu and Outemu Brown switches, offering users a blend of sharp, crisp sound and a deep, resonant feel.

Weight

In comparing the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Cabbage Tofu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Brown's 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cabbage Tofu also has a lighter force of 53 grams, while the Brown has a heavier force of 65 grams. This means that the Cabbage Tofu provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive keystroke. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences for typing feel.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. The Cabbage Tofu and the Brown are equal in terms of travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer either a linear or tactile switch. Whether you choose the Cabbage Tofu or the Brown, you can expect a similar level of keypress travel when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cabbage Tofu linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resembling Mahjong tiles colliding. When typing on these switches, users can expect a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound description provided, so it is unknown how it compares in terms of sound.

Moving on to feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch offers a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These switches are smooth and buttery, with reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing feel. The longer 22mm spring in the Cabbage Tofu switch provides a snappy response, making the typing experience feel more alive. Conversely, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have a specific feel description provided, so it is uncertain how it compares in terms of typing experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The sound profile is sharp and crisp, reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, while the typing feel is smooth and buttery, with reduced friction and a snappy response. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have specific sound or feel descriptions provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in these aspects. However, if you prefer the sound and feel qualities of the Cabbage Tofu switch, you may get similar results by exploring other linear switches with similar characteristics.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a lighter bottom out force and a swift rebound after actuation for quicker keystrokes, the Cabbage Tofu is an excellent choice. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel, the Cabbage Tofu switch will meet your preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience without as much emphasis on sound and feel characteristics, the Outemu Brown may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience, whether it be focused on speed and responsiveness or tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cabbage Tofu Linear

$3.25

$2.75 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more